Chapter 94

“Indeed,” Grace said, her voice tight. “She didn’t even greet you upon arrival. Instead, she’s chatting with others. It speaks volumes; she clearly doesn't value your attention.”

Lady Blackwood fumed. “This Thalia Winters has no respect for her elders. No manners whatsoever. And to think your mother claimed she was well-bred!”

A small, triumphant smile touched Grace’s lips. “Grandmother, please don’t be upset. Don’t let her affect your health—that’s what matters most.”

Lady Blackwood patted Grace’s hand. “You’re always so considerate, my dear. You truly are my granddaughter.”

Grace’s smile deepened. “Grandmother, would you like me to stay by your side forever?”

The elderly woman smiled indulgently. “Silly child, you’ll marry someday. How could you possibly stay with your grandmother forever? Though I’d love to have you with me always, you’re bound to marry eventually.”

If I married Asher, I could stay with you forever, Grace thought, but remained silent. Instead, she smiled demurely. “For you, Grandmother, I could remain unmarried my entire life.”

This delighted Lady Blackwood, bringing a broad smile to her face. Just then, Asher and Thalia spotted Lady Blackwood and approached.

Grace alerted her, “Grandmother, they’re coming.”

Lady Blackwood sniffed disdainfully. “About time.”

Thalia approached, on Asher’s arm, offering a polite greeting: “Lady Blackwood.” She respectfully adhered to the elderly woman’s previous request not to call her “Grandmother.”

However, Lady Blackwood’s expression was deeply dissatisfied. “Such a formal address. Are you still harboring resentment over the family dinner incident? I’ve already apologized to Asher. Why must you be so vindictive?”

Asher’s brow furrowed. “Grandmother, weren’t you the one who explicitly told Thalia not to call you ‘Grandmother’? Thalia is following your instructions—how can you be so unreasonable?”

Thalia inwardly chuckled; Lady Blackwood was clearly seeking conflict. Asher had essentially spoken for her. She offered a slight smile, adding nothing.

When Lady Blackwood heard her grandson’s accusation, she flared up. “How dare you call me unreasonable? I am your grandmother! Asher, this woman has clearly been a negative influence on you. Your attire is preposterous! And your attitude is hardly befitting a grandson addressing his grandmother!”

Asher’s expression turned cold. “Grandmother, why do you persistently find fault? You were once so reasonable and understanding.”

Lady Blackwood scoffed. “That depends entirely on who I’m dealing with.”

Thalia’s lips curled in silent mockery. At that moment, a little girl ran up and tugged Thalia’s dress. “Wow, princess! Are you a Disney princess?”

Thalia, amused, bent down to pinch her cheek. “No, I’m not.”

The little girl gazed at Thalia with wonder. “But you are a princess! You’re even more beautiful than the princesses on television!”

The child’s innocent words dispelled Thalia’s irritation. “Princess, can I play with you?”

“Of course,” Thalia replied gently.

“This is utterly improper!” Lady Blackwood exclaimed harshly. Nearby guests turned to watch. “I was still speaking to you. How dare you converse with someone else? Have you no respect for your elders?”

Thalia lowered her head, took a deep breath, and looked up with composure. “Lady Blackwood, I’m not sure what I’ve done to earn your animosity. Since my presence offends you, wouldn’t it be preferable if I simply left?”

Without waiting for a response, Thalia took the little girl’s hand and walked away.

Asher gave Grace a frigid look. “If I discover you’ve been poisoning Grandmother’s mind against Thalia, I won’t let it pass.”

Grace adopted a wounded expression. “Brother, I haven’t done anything of the sort.”

Lady Blackwood glared at Asher. “This has nothing to do with Grace. Just look at how Thalia treats me. How can you possibly expect me to approve of her?”

“Hmph,” Asher scoffed. “If you’re not satisfied, so be it—I’m not marrying you.” He knew further discussion was pointless.

“You—” Lady Blackwood sputtered. “How dare you speak to me that way? I am your grandmother!”

Asher ignored her and walked away. The elderly woman was breathing heavily, struggling for air.

“Grandmother, please calm yourself,” Grace soothed, patting her back. “Don’t argue with Asher. It’s all Thalia’s fault. She’s bewitched him. A woman like her is completely unworthy of him.”

Lady Blackwood composed herself. After a moment, she said with conviction: “You’re right. Such a woman is indeed unworthy of Asher.”

A brief, triumphant smirk flickered across Grace’s lips.

Thalia played with the little girl until her mother appeared. “Miss Winters, I’m terribly sorry. My daughter doesn’t know any better—I hope she hasn’t been a bother,” the woman apologized, her manner exceptionally polite.

Thalia smiled warmly. “Not at all. She’s a delightful child.”

The little girl said, “Mummy, the princess is so beautiful. May I take a photo with her? Could you take it for us?”

The woman looked hesitantly at Thalia. “Would that be all right?”

Thalia readily agreed. After the photo, the little girl waved goodbye.

Asher approached. “Lia, I’m sorry about all that.”

Thalia seemed unconcerned. “It’s hardly your fault. Why are you apologizing?”

“I don’t understand why Grandmother is being so unreasonable. She wasn’t like this before,” Asher said, taking Thalia’s hand. “If we can’t resolve this conflict, we’ll simply see less of her. There’s no need to subject yourself to such treatment.”

Thalia looked up, meeting his gaze. “What if your grandmother opposes our marriage?”

Asher replied firmly: “I have full authority over my own marriage. Her opposition is irrelevant.”

Thalia nodded. “That’s all I needed to hear.”

Spotting friends, Thalia said, “I’m going to join Charlotte and Victoria for a bit. I’ll leave you for a short while.”

Asher felt abandoned, but remained composed. “Of course, go ahead.”

As Thalia walked toward Charlotte, Grace appeared, colliding with Thalia. The wine glass in her hand fell, spilling red wine on Thalia’s gown.

Grace lightly covered her mouth, her expression exaggeratedly surprised. “Oh my! Thalia, darling, you really should watch where you’re going, shouldn’t you?”